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Neill happy with style

Qantas Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill has no issues with the style of football Australia has played in qualifying for the World Cup, saying that the ultimate aim of qualification for next year's tournament in South Africa had been achieved.

Qantas Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill has no issues with the style of football Australia has played in qualifying for the World Cup, saying that the ultimate aim of qualification for next year's tournament in South Africa had been achieved.

Neill was part of the launch of Australia's World Cup bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup in Canberra on Sunday and took the chance to give his tick of approval of the manner in which Australia qualified for South Africa 2010.

"When you are growing up, you are taught to play the game for the love of it. But let's cut to the chase - it is all about winning at our level and that's what Pim has done in getting us through to the World Cup next year," he told reporters.

"We go out there to win every time we step on to the pitch, and whether you win badly or win well, it's about winning."

Neill was not concerned by suggestions that Australia's game plan had been negative during the qualification campaign, admitting that you can't please everyone.

"There will always be critics, but we're extremely comfortable with the tactics employed and we've made it to (the finals in) South Africa, so the results speak for themselves."

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes Australia is a much more professional and well-prepared outfit than what it was ahead of the 2006 World Cup.

"The preparation and organisational skills behind the scenes to this campaign compared to four years ago is ... more impressive," Schwarzer said.

"It's because there isn't the euphoria like last time when we qualified on home soil in dramatic circumstances. Trust me, this has been extremely challenging and Pim has done a magnificent job."